Polsinelli uses cookies to improve site functionality and provide you with a better browsing experience. Detailed information about the use of cookies on this Site, and how you can decline them, is provided in our privacy policy. By using this Site, or clicking “Accept" you consent to the use of cookies.

Automotive

The automotive industry is in a state of constant change, but recent innovations in technology and business models have made it more important than ever for companies to stay nimble and adapt to changing forces across the industry. Polsinelli’s attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry and have worked with its major players for decades.

We represent OEMs, rental car companies, truck and motorcycle rental companies, car sharing companies and automobile dealerships as well as companies pursuing new and emerging business models for the use of vehicles. Our clients hail from every level of the automotive supply chain, and they call upon us to serve as business partners as they evaluate innovative programs to help them maintain a competitive advantage.

Representation of major automotive manufacturers in development of programs related to car-sharing

Negotiations with airports to allow parking and drop-off privileges for car-sharing programs

Litigation involving negligent entrustment claims

Representation in franchise litigation and contract issues

Representation of multi-platform businesses

Products liability litigation

Defense of allegations of fraud and warranty breaches

Defense of consumer class actions

Regulatory and statutory compliance counseling

Employment counseling and litigation

Patent and trademark counseling, prosecution and litigation

Corporate development, including acquisitions/divestitures and import/export

The evolving nature of the automotive industry creates constant challenges for companies in a diversity of areas. Innovative new models for mobility raise interesting questions in the areas of labor and employment (including independent contractor/employer/co-employer issues), privacy and data security, complicated tax issues and insurance liability. We bring to each representation both a global understanding of the automotive industry as a whole and of the unique legal issues involved in each use model. We use this critical knowledge to partner with clients to protect existing programming and develop future innovations.

Litigation

Represented a national rental car company in defending against multiple representative and class actions alleging violations of various consumer statutes.

Represented a retailer in a class action in California alleging a violation of a consumer protection statute in connection with the sale of automotive products.

Represented a national rental car company in the defense of various tort claims, including negligent entrustment.

Represented a rental car company in the revision of its rental agreement.

Represented North America’s largest intercity bus transportation provider in $200 million defective design and breach of contract lawsuit brought in Illinois Circuit Court.

Represented automotive companies in defending consumer class actions at the state and federal levels arising out of allegations of fraud and warranty breaches related to engine and other vehicular components and systems.

Co-lead counsel in successful defense of automobile maker in product liability asbestos/mesothelioma litigation. Jury verdict for automaker at the end of a ten-week jury trial.

Lead counsel in successful defense of major international automotive manufacturer in race-based employment discrimination case after seven trial days and two days of deliberation.

Obtained a no-dollar dismissal from a multi-party $80 million dollar environmental CERCLA contribution lawsuit for a leading global automotive systems supplier.

Intellectual Property Counseling & Litigation

Award in favor of tier-one automotive supplier in arbitration of ownership/inventorship of patents relating to airbag cover technology.

Represented tier-one automotive supplier of thermoplastic products in multi-patent infringement lawsuit brought by competitor in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, relating to airbag cover technologies.

Led investigations and efforts related to counterfeit oil filters on behalf of a major manufacturer or luxury vehicles.

Successfully defended a major automotive producer when one of their key patents related to drive technology was challenged.

Undertook significant patent filings and managed strategies in advance tech areas for a major manufacturer of luxury vehicles. Maintained foreign offices in conjunction with these efforts for over a dozen years.

Successfully defended an automotive manufacturer in a multi-patent litigation involving telematics, including the preparation of post grant proceedings against five patents. As a result, the matter resolved for less than three percent of the demand.

Served as outside general counsel and were seconded to a manufacturer of environmentally friendly automotive / automotive systems company for three years. Managed their Intellectual Property strategy and coordinated with the automotive industry’s advanced battery initiative.